Category: Companion Caregiver

Springtime Activities For Seniors

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Reminiscent Therapy Activities to Support Alzheimer’s Clients

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Introduction: 

Alzheimer’s disease poses unique challenges for both individuals diagnosed with the condition and their loved ones. As cognitive abilities decline, it becomes crucial to explore therapeutic approaches that can preserve memories, enhance communication, and promote overall well-being. Reminiscent therapy activities offer a promising avenue for engaging individuals with Alzheimer’s in meaningful and enjoyable experiences. In this blog, we will explore various reminiscent therapy activities designed to support your loved ones with Alzheimer’s, fostering connection, and enriching their daily lives.

Creating a Memory Box:

A memory box is a tangible and personal keepsake filled with items that hold significance and evoke memories for your loved one. Gather items such as photographs, mementos, and objects that represent important moments from their past. As you explore the contents of the memory box together, encourage your loved one to reminisce and share stories associated with each item. This activity not only triggers memories but also facilitates bonding and engagement.

Music Therapy Sessions:

Music has a remarkable impact on memory recall and emotional well-being. Compile a playlist of songs from your loved one’s youth or significant events in their life. Play these songs during dedicated music therapy sessions, allowing your loved one to immerse themselves in the familiar melodies and lyrics. You may notice their mood improve, and they may even begin to sing along or tap their feet in rhythm. Music therapy is particularly effective in stimulating memory retrieval and promoting emotional connections.

Storytelling Sessions:

Storytelling is a powerful way to share and preserve personal narratives. Sit down with your loved one and encourage them to recount stories from their past. You can also provide prompts by showing photographs or asking questions related to significant events or people in their life. As they share their stories, listen attentively and engage in meaningful dialogue. This activity not only promotes memory recall but also strengthens the bond between you and your loved one.

Reminiscent Jigsaw Puzzles:

Jigsaw puzzles designed specifically for reminiscent therapy can be a fun and stimulating activity for individuals with Alzheimer’s. Look for puzzles that depict nostalgic scenes or historic events relevant to your loved one’s past. Work on the puzzle together, discussing the images and reminiscing about associated experiences. This activity enhances cognitive function, hand-eye coordination, and provides a sense of accomplishment upon completion.

Photo Albums and Scrapbooks:

Browse through old photo albums or create a scrapbook filled with pictures documenting your loved one’s life. Label the photographs with names, dates, and brief descriptions to aid memory recall. As you flip through the pages, encourage your loved one to reminisce about the events and people captured in the photos. Sharing and documenting memories through visual aids can have a profound impact on maintaining connections and stimulating cognitive abilities.

Gardening Therapy:

Engaging in gardening activities can have therapeutic benefits for individuals with Alzheimer’s. Choose plants that are easy to care for and involve your loved one in tasks such as planting, watering, and tending to the garden. The sensory stimulation of touch, smell, and sight associated with gardening can evoke positive memories and improve mood. Spending time in nature and nurturing living plants fosters a sense of purpose and accomplishment. 

Reminiscent therapy activities provide valuable opportunities to connect with loved ones living with Alzheimer’s, promoting memory recall, communication, and emotional well-being. Each activity mentioned in this blog can be tailored to suit your loved one’s preferences and abilities. Remember to approach these activities with patience, understanding, and a focus on creating positive experiences. By engaging in thoughtful reminiscent therapy activities, you can enhance your loved one’s quality of life and create lasting memories together. 

Polish Care Services companion and assistants provides non-medical assistance whether live in or hourly to keep seniors safe in their home.  

Credit: Jamie Ross 

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Balancing Elderly Care, Work, and Self: Practical Caregiver Tips

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Managing the multiple roles that come with being a caregiver who provide elderly care for loved ones, an employee, and an individual with personal needs can feel like walking on a tightrope. The challenge intensifies when trying to excel in each area without compromising the others.

Along with ensuring the welfare of the person you’re caring for, you must foster your own mental and physical well-being. This article, courtesy of Polish Care Services, shares actionable tips for any caregivers navigating the intricacies of work, caregiving, and personal life.

Prioritizing Essential Tasks

When juggling roles as varied as caregiving, working, and personal development, prioritization becomes a crucial skill. Focus on tasks that are time-sensitive and essential to the well-being of your elderly loved one.

Prioritizing allows you to allocate your energy and time more efficiently, ensuring that you’re not overwhelmed by less important tasks. You can act more decisively and effectively when you know what needs immediate attention.

Acquiring an Online Degree

The juggling act between work and caregiving is complicated. Still, it doesn’t mean your career should come to a halt. Virtual learning has made it feasible for caregivers to consider furthering their education.

Enrolling in top-rated masters in nursing programs online, for instance, can be an excellent way to climb the career ladder while still attending to your caregiving duties. The flexible hours and online modules make it a perfect fit for your stringent schedule.

Implementing a Structured Routine

Life becomes a lot less chaotic with a well-thought-out schedule. Assigning specific time slots for different responsibilities (e.g., caregiving, professional work, personal activities, etc.) will help you maintain a routine. Consistency in following the schedule imparts a sense of discipline and ensures not a single aspect of your life is neglected.

Digitized All Important Documents

The modern world offers plenty of digital solutions that can make a caregiver’s life easier. One such example is using a mobile scanning app to store and share digital documents like legal paperwork. Having all your essential documents in a digital format makes them easily accessible and shareable, which can be a real time-saver in emergency situations.

Focusing on Personal Health

Caregiving is a demanding job, both physically and emotionally. But no caregiver who provides elderly care or other task can offer the best care if they’re not in their best shape. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is non-negotiable. From getting enough sleep to eating balanced meals and exercising regularly, personal health should never take a back seat.

Utilizing Organizational Tools

Keep your tasks and responsibilities neatly organized by employing the use of digital tools or traditional planners. An organized approach simplifies the coordination of caregiving duties, work commitments, and personal activities. Calendars or task management tools can be excellent allies in staying organized, enabling you to fulfill your roles more efficiently and with less stress.

Reaching Out for Support

It’s okay to ask for help. Elderly care caregiving is often emotionally and physically draining, and doing it all on your own is impractical and detrimental to your well-being.

Reach out to friends, family, or community support groups to share responsibilities or emotional burdens. No one is an island, and a little help can go a long way in reducing your stress levels.

You might also benefit from hiring people to help with your caregiving duties. Polish Care Services offers a range of cleaning and caregiving services, all of which we carry out with compassion and professionalism.

Retaining a Sense of Individuality

Don’t forget to enjoy life amid the hustle and bustle. Your hobbies and personal interests are not frivolous but essential for your mental well-being. They offer an avenue to detach, relax, and rejuvenate. Setting aside time for activities that bring you joy can remarkably improve your mood and efficiency, making you a happier and thus better caregiver.

Summary

Striving to excel as a caregiver, a working professional, and an individual with a personal life may seem like a Herculean task, but it’s certainly possible. You can successfully balance these multifaceted roles by prioritizing tasks, enhancing your skills through education, adhering to a structured schedule, digitizing documents, staying organized, and focusing on self-care. Remember that a balanced life is not a myth but a realistic goal; the tips above can be your roadmap to achieving it.

Credit: June Duncan

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58 Ways To Keep Seniors Safe In Their Home

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Many seniors prefer to live independently in their own homes for the comfort, satisfaction of familiarity and self-reliance; however, this can also pose some risks and challenges. To ensure their safety and comfort in their home, here are 58 ways that can help seniors stay safe in their homes:

– Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor and test them regularly.

– Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and other areas where fires may occur.

– Avoid using candles, matches, or lighters near flammable materials or curtains.

– Replace frayed or damaged cords and plugs of electrical appliances and devices.

– Use surge protectors and avoid overloading outlets or extension cords.

– Turn off appliances and devices when not in use or before going to bed.

– Keep a flashlight and extra batteries in an accessible location in case of a power outage.

– Install grab bars and non-slip mats in the bathroom, especially near the bathtub, shower, and toilet.

– Use a shower chair or bench if standing for long periods is difficult or risky.

– Adjust the water heater temperature to prevent scalding or burns.

– Keep medications in their original containers and store them in a cool, dry, and secure place.

– Dispose of expired or unused medications properly and safely.

– Follow the instructions and dosages of your medications and supplements carefully and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

– Use a pill organizer or dispenser to help you remember when to take your medications and supplements.

– Keep a list of your medications, allergies, medical conditions, and emergency contacts in your wallet or purse and on your refrigerator door.

– Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace if you have a chronic or serious condition that may require immediate attention.

– Keep a first aid kit stocked with bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and other essentials in an accessible location.

– Seek medical attention promptly if you experience any signs or symptoms of a stroke, heart attack, infection, or other serious condition.

– Schedule regular check-ups and screenings with your doctor and dentist and follow their recommendations for preventive care and treatment.

– Get vaccinated against seasonal flu, pneumonia, shingles, COVID-19, and other diseases that may affect seniors more severely.

– Eat a balanced and nutritious diet that meets your dietary needs and preferences.

– Drink plenty of water and fluids to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration.

– Limit your intake of alcohol, caffeine, salt, sugar, and processed foods that may affect your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, or weight.

– Take vitamin D and calcium supplements to support your bone health and prevent osteoporosis.

– Exercise regularly to maintain your strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance. Choose activities that you enjoy and are suitable for your fitness level and abilities.

– Consult your doctor before starting a new exercise program or changing your existing one.

– Warm up before exercising and cool down after exercising to prevent injuries or soreness.

– Wear appropriate clothing, footwear, and equipment when exercising.

– Avoid exercising outdoors when the weather is too hot, cold, humid, or polluted.

– Stay indoors or seek shade when the UV index is high to prevent sunburns or skin cancer.

– Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and protective clothing when exposed to the sun.

– Avoid smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke that may increase your risk of lung cancer, COPD, heart disease, stroke, and other conditions.

– Manage your stress levels by practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi, or massage.

– Seek professional help if you experience any signs or symptoms of depression, anxiety, dementia, or other mental health issues.

– Stay socially connected with your family, friends, neighbors, community groups, clubs, or organizations that share your interests and hobbies.

– Use technology such as phone calls, video calls, emails, text messages, social media, or online platforms to communicate with your loved ones and access information and services.

– Learn new skills or pursue new hobbies that challenge your mind and keep you engaged and stimulated.

– Play games or do puzzles that improve your memory, concentration, logic, or creativity.

– Read books or magazines that expand your knowledge or entertain you.

– Watch movies or shows that make you laugh or inspire you.

– Listen to music or podcasts that soothe you or motivate you.

– Keep a journal or diary that helps you express your thoughts and feelings.

– Volunteer for a cause or organization that aligns with your values and passions.

– Adopt a pet or plant that provides you with companionship and responsibility.

– Review your finances and budget and plan for your future needs and goals.

– Seek advice from a financial planner, lawyer, or accountant if you need help with managing your money, assets, or taxes.

– Update your will and estate plan and inform your family or beneficiaries of your wishes.

– Review your insurance policies and coverage and make any changes or adjustments as needed.

– Declutter your home and belongings and donate, sell, or discard anything that you no longer need or use.

– Organize your home and belongings and label, store, or display them in a way that makes them easy to find and access.

– Make your home more accessible and comfortable by installing ramps, rails, lifts, or other devices that help you move around or reach things.

– Make your home more energy-efficient and eco-friendly by using LED bulbs, smart thermostats, solar panels, or other products that reduce your electricity consumption or carbon footprint.

– Make your home more secure and safe by installing locks, alarms, cameras, or other systems that deter intruders or alert you of any threats.

– Hire a professional or ask a friend or family member to help you with any home repairs, maintenance, or improvement projects that you cannot do yourself.

– Consider hiring a caregiver, housekeeper, gardener, chef, homemaker or companion or other service provider to help you with any personal care, household chores, or other tasks that you need assistance with.

– Consider using a delivery service, online shopping, or curbside pickup to order groceries, meals, medications, or other items that you need or want.

– Consider using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxi services to get around if you do not drive or have a car.

– Consider joining a senior center, assisted living facility, or retirement community if you need more social interaction, support, or care.

This is an extensive list to ensure the safety of seniors in their home, some of which may have already been utilized however there are additions help to enhance the safety of our loved ones. Please call Polish Care Services for in home care assistance for seniors.

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How to Help Your Elderly Parents Age in Place

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Many older adults prefer to stay in their own homes as they age, rather than move to a senior living facility or another location. This is known as age in place, and it can have many benefits for seniors, such as maintaining their independence, comfort, and familiarity. However, aging in place also comes with some challenges and risks, such as safety hazards, isolation, and health issues. If you have elderly parents who want to age in place, you may wonder how you can support them and ensure their well-being. Here are some tips and resources to help you help your parents age in place successfully and safely.

Assess their needs and abilities

The first step to helping your parents age in place is to assess their current and future needs and abilities. You can do this by observing how they perform their daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, cooking, cleaning, and managing their medications. You can also talk to their doctors about their health conditions and how they may affect their functioning and quality of life. Based on this assessment, you can identify the areas where your parents may need some assistance or modifications to continue living at home.

Make their home safe and accessible

One of the most important aspects of aging in place is making sure that your parents’ home is safe and accessible for them. This may involve some home modifications or repairs, such as installing grab bars, ramps, handrails, nonslip mats, smoke detectors, and emergency alert systems. You can also declutter their home and remove any tripping hazards, such as loose rugs, cords, or furniture. You can find more tips on how to make your home safe and accessible while aging in place here.

Hire professional caregivers or services

Depending on your parents’ needs and preferences, you may want to hire some professional caregivers or services to help them with some tasks or provide some companionship. For example, you can hire a personal service attendant to assist your parents with bathing, dressing, grooming, or toileting. You can also hire a home health nurse to provide medical care, such as wound care, injections, or blood pressure monitoring. You can also hire a homemaker to help with household chores, such as cleaning, laundry, or grocery shopping, a companion to be a friend, conversation and play games your loved one likes. You can also hire a meal delivery service to bring nutritious meals to your parents’ home.

Build a network of support

Another key factor for successful aging in place is having a strong network of support for your parents. This network can include family members, friends, neighbors, volunteers, or community organizations that can provide emotional, social, or practical support for your parents. For example, you can ask your relatives or friends to check on your parents regularly or help them with some errands. You can also encourage your parents to join a senior center or a faith group where they can socialize and participate in activities. You can also connect your parents with some resources and organizations that can offer them assistance or guidance on various issues related to aging in place. You can find more information on how to build a network of support for aging in place here.

Plan for the future

Finally, it is important to plan for the future as your parents age in place. This means having honest and respectful conversations with your parents about their wishes and expectations for their care and living arrangements as they get older. It also means preparing the necessary legal and financial documents that can protect your parents’ rights and interests in case they become incapacitated or pass away. These documents may include a will, a power of attorney, a health care proxy, an advance directive, and a living trust. You can find more information on how to plan for the future as you age in place here.

Aging in place can be a rewarding and fulfilling option for many seniors who want to stay in their own homes as they grow older. However, it also requires some planning and preparation to ensure that they are safe, comfortable, and happy. By following these tips and using these resources, you can help your elderly parents age in place successfully and safely.

Polish Care Services agency can help with assigning live in and hourly personal services attendant to assist with ensuring quality of life while your loved ones enjoy home. Please contact 860-255-8278 in Connecticut and 941-212-0310 in Florida to see how they can assist.

Credit: Vanessa Hoffman

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AI Benefits for the Elderly and Disabled

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Although there is so much consternation and hype, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can benefit the elderly and disabled population in many ways. Some of the benefits include:

1. Health monitoring and assistance through wearable devices and smart home systems: AI can be used to monitor the health of elderly individuals through wearable devices and smart home systems. These devices can track vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure, and alert caregivers or medical professionals if there are any concerning changes. Smart home systems can also be used to monitor the movements and activities of elderly individuals, providing an additional layer of safety and security.
2. Medication management: AI can assist with medication management by providing reminders to take medications, tracking medication usage, and alerting caregivers or medical professionals if there are any missed doses or potential drug interactions.
3. Social interaction and companionship: AI can provide social interaction and companionship to elderly individuals through virtual companions, such as chatbots or virtual assistants. These companions can engage in conversation, provide entertainment, and help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.
4. Cognitive stimulation and memory support: AI can provide cognitive stimulation and memory support to elderly individuals through games, puzzles, and other activities designed to exercise the brain and improve cognitive function. AI can also assist with memory support by providing reminders for important events or appointments.
5. Daily living assistance: AI can assist with daily living tasks, such as meal preparation, housekeeping, and personal care. This can help elderly individuals maintain their independence and continue living in their own homes for longer.
6. Increased independence: By providing assistance with daily living tasks, health monitoring, medication management, and other areas, AI can help elderly individuals maintain their independence and continue living in their own homes for longer.
7. Lower healthcare costs, better transportation, and longer employment: AI can help lower healthcare costs by improving health monitoring and early detection of potential health issues. AI can also assist with transportation by providing ride-sharing services or autonomous vehicles designed for elderly individuals. Additionally, AI can help extend employment opportunities for elderly individuals by providing job-matching services or remote work opportunities.
8. Virtual companions: As mentioned earlier, virtual companions such as chatbots or virtual assistants can provide social interaction and companionship to elderly individuals.
9. Anti-aging research: AI can assist with anti-aging research by analyzing large amounts of data to identify potential treatments or preventative measures for age-related diseases.
10. At-home health monitoring: As mentioned earlier, AI can assist with at-home health monitoring through wearable devices and smart home systems.
11. Smart device-assisted daily living: Smart devices equipped with AI technology can assist with daily living tasks such as turning on lights, adjusting the thermostat, or locking doors.
12. Smart device-assisted fall detection: Smart devices equipped with AI technology can detect if an elderly individual has fallen and alert caregivers or medical professionals.
13. Improved quality of care: By providing assistance in areas such as health monitoring, medication management, daily living assistance, and more, AI can help improve the overall quality of care for elderly individuals.

AI is also helpful in intelligent tracking of biometric information to early diagnosis of diseases, understanding the treatment pathways, and helping clinicians to take care of elderly and disabled people and treat them more efficiently.

Polish Care Services team provides blogs and news articles that are not only informative and entertaining, but can enhance the wellbeing of seniors and disabled in Connecticut and Sarasota County in Florida

Credit: Bing AI, Google AI, Peter Powell

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The Benefits of a Caregiver Agency

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Caregiving is a rewarding but challenging job that requires compassion, patience, and skill. Many people who need assistance with daily living tasks, such as seniors, people with disabilities, or people recovering from illnesses or injuries, prefer to receive care at home rather than in a facility. However, finding and hiring a reliable, qualified, and affordable caregiver can be difficult and time-consuming for families. That is why many families choose to work with a caregiver agency, which can offer many benefits over hiring an independent caregiver.

A caregiver agency is a registered business that employs caregivers and sends them to the home of the care recipient to provide in-home care. The agency can provide medical care or non-medical care, depending on the needs and preferences of the client. The agency also takes care of the administrative aspects of hiring and managing the caregivers, such as background checks, payroll, scheduling, training, and supervision.

Some of the benefits of hiring a caregiver through an agency are:

• Quality: an agency typically will verify caregivers’ credentials, certifications, and experience in addition to performing background checks. An agency will provide continuous training and development to ensure caregivers and office staff are up to date with current skills and practices This ensures that the caregivers are qualified, competent, and up-to-date on the best practices and standards of care.
• Safety: Agencies are responsible for ensuring that the caregivers follow safety protocols when providing care at home. They provide workers compensation and liability insurance for their employees. This protects clients and caregivers in case of accident and work-related injuries.
• Flexibility: Agencies can offer a range of services and schedules to suit the needs and preferences of different clients. They can provide non-medical and other services that may suit the clients needs. Whether it is hourly services, live in assistance, long term or temporary services, The agency will match the caregiver that is considered a best fit for the client based on personality, skills, experience and availability.
• Reliability: Agencies will have a pool of caregivers who is able to cover desired shift or back up assistance in case of emergencies or absences. This means that the client will always have someone to provide care at home without interruption or inconvenience. They can also manage issues or complaints that may arise between the client and the caregivers.
• Support: Agencies can provide additional support and resources for both the client and the family. They can help to coordinate other services or referrals such as medical appointments, social activities, transportation, equipment. They can also provide emotional support and guidance for the client and family members who are involved in caregiving.

In conclusion, hiring a caregiver through an agency can offer many benefits for both the client and the family. It can ensure quality, safety, flexibility, reliability, and support for in-home care. It can also save time and hassle for families who are looking for a trustworthy and affordable caregiver. Therefore, working with an agency can be a smart choice for families who need help with caregiving at home.

Polish Care Services is a Homemaker Companion agency registered in Connecticut and Florida that provides support services for seniors and disabled, whether it is live in services, hourly support, or overnight assistance. The supportive office team works with the client to find a match for their needs and is a constant support for the client and staff throughout the process.

Credit: Madeline Sinatro

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Resources to Help Seniors Who Have Few Relatives Nearby

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Aging brings many challenges as well as joys. While it’s generally good fortune to have a long life, it’s even better if you have family nearby to offer help and companionship. Sometimes, seniors live far from family, though. In these cases, Polish Care Services suggests you make use of the following resources for managing daily life.

Maintaining a Social Life

Loneliness can be a risk factor for health issues, and we all need companionship. Here are some ideas to help seniors develop and maintain social connections.

• Consider volunteering. After all, seniors can and do contribute an enormous amount by tutoring, mentoring, helping prepare or distribute food to those in need, fundraising, assisting with tax preparation, or working the polls during elections.
• Take a class. Post-retirement is a wonderful time to pursue interests you may not have had time for while working. Whether it’s a non-credit history or language class at the local university, or a dance or crafting class at a community center, you’ll meet others with common interests and get to explore something you enjoy.
• Take a part-time job. Although not everyone is eager to return to the nine to five grind, sometimes working a few hours a week can enhance a senior’s life by providing social connections, as well as the satisfaction of contributing effort to an important cause.
• Join a church, mosque, temple, or other organization that supports your spiritual beliefs. If you’re already a member, look into getting more involved there. It’s a great way to get to know others who share your values.

Health and Wellness

Good health is important to people at every age, and there are always things a person can do to increase their chances of staying well.

• Join an exercise class. The connection between exercise and improved mental health has been documented increasingly over the past decade. Many forms of exercise are appropriate for seniors, ranging from swimming to no impact aerobics and gentle weight training.
• Consider a mind-body practice, such as tai chi, qi gong, yoga, or mindfulness walking. These disciplines can improve cognitive functioning as well balance, strength, range of motions, and stress relief.
• Get an exercise or healthy eating buddy. Having another person counting on you can help with motivation and increase fun, whether you’re cooking a healthy meal together or meeting for a walk.
• Laughter is good medicine. It can increase the release of endorphins, and alter serotonin and dopamine levels in the body. Whether it’s a funny movie, a cartoon in a magazine, a hilarious book, or a podcast, finding reasons to laugh can make life more healthy, as well as more fun. This is yet another activity best done with a buddy.

Financial Assistance is Available

Most people worry to some degree about running out of money, managing money, or calculating and paying taxes in a timely and accurate manner. There are many local, state, and federal programs to help with planning and managing financial concerns.

• Help with the cost of prescriptions can be found via the Extra Help program through Medicare in some states. Other states have their own programs.
• Seniors and all adults may experience stress when faced with financial and other types of decisions.
• The IRS sponsors free tax help clinics for seniors. These can be quite helpful since many seniors have complex situations involving pensions, IRAs, or pre-death insurance benefits. Having free help from an expert can make the challenge of tax preparation less daunting.

Use Technology to your Advantage

While it’s difficult to visit in person fr

equently, if you live a great distance from your loved one, the internet can be a great help. Using Google Meet, Webex, Zoom, or another online program you can be in touch with family members who live almost anywhere. The internet is also a good way to shop, learn, and connect with others.

• Take some time to make sure your loved one is comfortable using the internet. Sometimes technology classes for seniors can be helpful, as well as social opportunities.
• Click for info on a useful tool for combining digital documents for your loved one so that they’re easier to find.
• Having a weekly online call with your senior loved one is a great way to stay in touch, share family news, and monitor how they are doing. While “Zoom fatigue” is something that happens to people of all ages, there are ways to counter it.
• Although an online meeting is better than no connection, it’s important to supplement it with ordinary phone calls, letters via email or US mail, and the occasional in-person visit.

Although living near the senior you care about is the easiest way to stay in touch and be of help, there are many resources for those who are at a distance. Make sure that you keep your loved one in the loop when making decisions that will affect them, and take advantage of the many programs and options available.

For exceptional services for seniors, those with disabilities, and those needing companionship, visit Polish Care Services today.

Credit: June Duncan

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5 Tips to Help First-Time Caregiver Manage Their Responsibilities

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Being a first-time caregiver can be an incredibly rewarding experience. However, it can also be overwhelming. This could be due to caregiver anxiety which makes you feel uncertain regarding the level of care you are providing your loved one. But it’s important to remember that you can always reach out to family or even professionals to assist you in caregiving. In this article by Polish Care Services, we’ll explore the best strategies new caregivers can adopt to avoid burnout while providing the highest level of care to their loved ones.

Educate Yourself About the Condition 

The type and duration of care required will depend on the condition(s) your loved one is diagnosed with. A good first step will be to learn as much as you can regarding their symptoms and the best caregiving strategies you can adopt. For instance, if your loved one has a mobility disability, moving their bedroom to the ground floor and adjusting the home’s layout to their needs will make their lives much easier.

Reading articles published by medical expertsabout their condition will be the best resource for education. Additionally, you can search for videos to learn from other caregivers regarding the best strategies used by them at home.

Leverage Technology to Complement Healthcare 

Many caregivers refrain from allowing their loved one to be home alone owing to the fear of safety. While their concern is justified, in the long run, this has a negative impact on mental health owing to the lack of socialization and isolation.

However, now there are various types of technology caregivers can install in their homes, such as cameras to monitor the property and check up on your loved one (if they are comfortable having cameras indoors). In addition, remote-controlled locks that send you a notification each time the main/back door is opened, as reported by Vivint, and motion sensor lights, allowing your loved ones to move freely around the home without the need to reach a switch.

Maintain Accurate Paperwork 

Another area where you should leverage the power of technology is to maintain healthcare paperwork regarding your loved one. In addition to test results and doctor prescriptions, you can also include personal notes regarding your loved one’s response to therapy or other caregiving tools. Not only will this help you improve the level of care, but doctors can utilize this information to provide better treatment as well.

The best way to keep paperwork organized will be to use a document management system, for which you can try this free resource!

Ask for Help 

Caregiving is a tough job to manage alone, especially for family caregivers. Hence, rather than burning yourself out trying to manage everything single-handedly, reach out to those around you for help.

This can include family members who can pitch in with caregiving, whether that be to give your loved one company, drive them to doctor appointments, or help out with home chores such as buying groceries, etc. Taking help from others will help to free up time in your day to dedicate towards self-care, hobbies, exercise, or to learn more about the condition.

Practice Self-Care Activities

Constantly neglecting your health needs is bound to lead to caregiver burnout. Which, according to Cleveland Clinic, can lead to changes in sleep patterns, mood disruptions, loss of appetite, reduced cognitive function, and more. The best way to keep caregiver burnout at bay is to dedicate at least an hour a day towards self-care activities such as:

● Exercise – which serves as a great way to stay physically and mentally fit.

● Meditation – that helps you gain control over your thoughts, helping to keep stress in check

● Music/Dance or other hobbies – engaging in activities that provide a sense of fulfillment has a positive impact on mood and self-esteem.

Trying to manage caregiving duties single-handedly is not something first-time caregivers should try. Given the importance caregiving plays in your loved ones’ life, it’s best to ask for help and take assistance from professionals. Additionally, remember to maintain notes and share them periodically with the doctor.

Credit: June Duncan

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Is It Time to Move Closer to Your Senior Relative? How to Tell

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It can be hard to be apart from your family as they age. You might be thinking about moving closer to a senior relative who lives in another city or state just because you want to see them more often, or perhaps they now need a little more support to get through the day-to-day activities they used to manage with ease. Moving for a loved one is a big decision, and there are many things that need to be taken into consideration before making the move. Today, Polish Care Services shares some tips to help you decide if it’s time for you to be closer to your senior relative.

Ask Yourself These Questions

You can start by asking some probing questions. Your answers will help reveal whether it’s time to be closer to your senior loved one.

● Is their current caretaker stressed out?

● Do you feel guilty for not visiting more often?

● How much can you afford to spend to relocate?

● Is your loved one no longer capable of living on their own (i.e., cooking, cleaning, taking care of personal hygiene)?

After you’ve asked yourself these questions, it’s time to consider what your senior relative thinks about you being closer to them.

Ask for Their Opinion

It is important to speak with your family member before making any decisions. They might not be as receptive as you think. If it’s determined that they require your care and assistance, you need to consider how they feel about you moving away from your current life, friends, and neighbors. If this is a difficult decision for you, it could be even more difficult for them. Although you may feel like it’s time to move closer together for the sake of convenience, they might not want to go through such a big change, especially if you have your own family coming with you.

You also need to consider how much care or assistance your senior relative needs. Do they need someone there all the time? Do they require an in-home nurse? Is there an adult daycare center near them? If so, does it have space available? There are many questions you’ll have to answer before moving closer.

Perhaps there are technologies and services that, if used, can allow your loved one to live independently for awhile longer. Consider hiring a gardener or housecleaner to help with daily tasks, and look for meal services to reduce the amount of cooking your loved one needs to manage. You can install a security system that allows you and your loved one to monitor the house. There are even options that will let you check on your loved one if they don’t answer the phone.

Discuss Living Situations

If you decide to make the move, think hard about your living situation. Will you buy or rent a house? Will you and your aging loved one move in together or will you live separately while still providing care? Don’t make these decisions for your loved one. Instead, talk with them and really listen to their desires and fears. AgingCare.com emphasizes the importance of really listening and being open to your loved one’s thoughts. Be sure to discuss the following questions: Is their current home no longer sufficient for their care? Will you need to buy a home that accommodates them, you, and your family? And if so, how will that play into your decision to move?

Discuss these possibilities – including asking pertinent questions and taking appropriate considerations regarding buying a new home – with your family and get their input on the best course of action to care for your senior relative. It’s important that everyone is on the same page, as this will help reduce stress and conflict.

Preparing for the Move

If you are uncertain whether this move will be long or short term, renting might be your best option, especially if your entire family won’t be moving with you. Not only will renting make it easier to pack up and move when or if the time is right, it can be less expensive and reduce the responsibilities of home ownership while you’re also helping your loved one. For instance, you can rent an apartment in Farmington for as little as $1,550 a month.

If you choose to buy a house, your debt-to-income ratio will be a key factor in your ability to qualify for a home loan. Lenders look at your income and the amount of money you spend on expenses each month, and they compare that to your debt. To determine how much of your income would be left over to put toward a mortgage payment, you can use an online mortgage calculator. Be sure to factor in what you will do with your current home, if you own one.

Your lender will also want to know if you have any recurring monthly obligations, like car payments or student loans. Generally, lenders will prefer to see at least 36% of your income available for your mortgage payment. A larger percentage means there is less risk for defaulting on the loan.

When planning for your move, remember to factor in ancillary expenses such as moving services. And if you will be moving your aging loved one, too, it’s a good idea to consider hiring a moving company that’s experienced with moving seniors and, preferably, has a senior move specialist on staff.

Figuring Out Your Work Situation

If you are moving and caretaking will become your full-time job, then make sure you can financially handle that shift. If you still need to work, consider looking for part-time work in your new area or search for a remote position you can do while caretaking. However, if you are a business owner, you will need to decide how the move will affect your business. You could choose to keep things as is while working remotely, which requires the least amount of transitioning. But if you choose to move your entire business, including employees and office or storefront, be sure to notify your employees right away and give them options regarding relocation packages or switching to remote.

Move Forward

Deciding to move closer to an aging loved one is a big decision, particularly if you’ll have to buy or rent a home or even relocate your business. Be sure to include your family members and your loved one in this decision; however, if you feel that your relative’s health or well-being is in jeopardy, act quickly. This transition may be difficult for all of you, so try to respond with kindness and patience as everyone adjusts. Remembering that you are making these changes for your loved one’s best interests can help you to persevere during tough times.

Polish Care Services provides high quality service, compassion and professionalism for cleaning, and caregivers that will meet or exceed expectations. Call 860-255-8278.

Credit: June Duncan

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